SAFF is honoured to screen this film for free in memory of Peter Davis.

Peter began producing and distributing award-winning socio-political documentary films and photography independently in 1962. He founded Villon Films in 1970. With a strong focus on socio-political documentary, the Villon collection spans such issues as government, history, ecology, culture, health and science, biography, and the apartheid period of South African history, among others. Peter Davis passed away in December, 2025. Villon Films will continue to build on his legacy.

Through a mosaic of feature films, documentary, and propaganda films, with commentary by writers, directors, and actors, some of whom supported apartheid, and others who fought to destroy it, In Darkest Hollywood asks, what was the role of cinema during the 45 year reign of apartheid? The feature length documentary turns the lens towards the filmmakers and the society they so often misunderstood and misrepresented. The film examines the role of cinema in both supporting and attacking apartheid. It questions Hollywood’s commitment to racial stereotypes and reluctance to depict black heroes. Among those appearing are: Lewis Nkosi, Zakes Mokae, Sir Richard Attenborough, Lionel Rogosin, Thomas Mogotlane, Andre Brink, Euzhan Palcy.